“That’s not all. We can get more than what we expected. Opening up trade with them while also making them our allies in exchange for a tribute? Trading with them is good, but their military power is also worth it,” commented Marquis Serde.

“That’s the flower of our Operations office! Thinking of the strengths and weaknesses of what we have discussed, then creating a strategy that benefits both our military and diplomacy. Isn’t she wonderful?” said Count Clove.

Count Clove laughed out loud as he made a remark on Marquis Serde’s comment. Then the director of Administration, Count Raisen, spoke to the Chancellor.

“Sir, that ability to an*lyze the strengths and weaknesses, select what is useful at once is better suited at our Administrations, where we an*lyze different issues from different departments and find what’s useful. I request Secretary Harrant’s transfer to our department.”

Then Count Clove shouted in opposition, “What are you talking about? Our Secretary Harrant is an indispensable person at our office! Chancellor, we’re getting overloaded with too much work at the office that it will not function without Secretary Harrant.”

Count Raisen glared at Count Clove, then coldly snapped, “You’re the one who’s talking nonsense when it’s only her second day. Our office has been lacking in manpower ever since the Senior Policy Officer resigned. I’m sure you have a Senior Secretary at your Policy Officer, no?”

“Well, our office has a lot more work than you! We don’t just an*lyze and pick out data, but we also make the Chancellor’s schedule, fix all the issues and stuff! We’re busy, and don’t be greedy over other employees like a pig, director.”

“What? What did you just say?”

The Chancellor jumped in between their arguments to stop their seemingly unending war. “We still have to talk about the budget drafting amendment from the Treasury. Shall we go over that first?”

Thanks to the Chancellor, the meeting ended safely.

***

I sighed as soon as I got back to my office. The two directors quickly went through the amendment and finished it, only to return to my transfer issue. Amused, the Chancellor watched them until he then made the condition that he’ll transfer me to the better department.

“Hey, how do you feel about being a flower sought after by both the right and left arm of Internal Affairs?” asked Rave.

His teasing made me feel uncomfortable, and I glared at him. He cowered a bit and added, “Well, I just thought you are really something.”

Rave was already next to Lynel, putting his arm around and smiling. Then he said, “Don’t worry, we’ll protect our flower. Right, Cedric? Shouldn’t we use magic if we need to?”

Magic? That thing’s been gone for a long time. What the heck is he talking about? That man’s attitude is what gets me annoyed the most.

I was about to snap back at Rave when Lynel suddenly spoke out, making me forget about my annoyance towards him. “Secretary Harrant! I’ll never have you transferred out! I won’t use magic.. but I’ll do my best!”

His determination and energy astonished me. I usually don’t get shocked much.

‘He’s a strange man too.. he won’t use magic? That sounds like he can use it if he wants,’?I thought, without answering. Then I saw Rave cackling at me and returned to my senses. Ugh.

“Can you check this issue? I can’t seem to understand it.”

“Huh? Yeah, I’ll take a look,” replied Rave.

I got some revenge by pushing a difficult issue over to him. For now, he seemed to be busy dealing with the issues given to him. I then refocused on my work when I heard Director Clove’s voice.

“It’s lunchtime! You all should eat first if you want to work harder for our flower!”

He’s mentioned that embarrassing title for no reason. Teasing me like that, old snake!

“Come on, let’s go have lunch. Our clerks looked forward to having lunch with you so badly, you know. I’m sure the Administration guys will be jealous,” said Rave.

Rave was already onto me and talking to me. I sighed and got up to head to the restaurant along with my coworkers, who were looking at me with curiosity.

“Secretary Harrant! Have a seat here. We’ll take care of everything.”

Clerk Bonde, my associate, sat me down at the chair. After a while, all my coworkers went to fetch some food for me. I felt comfortable but also uncomfortable. I wanted to get what I wanted on my own..

“Marina?”

While I was looking around and sighing, I heard a familiar voice. This voice belonged to a face that I had forgotten about for two months. It was Kyles.

He seemed a bit haggard. My heart was strangely cold at the sight of him. I actually worried that my heart would betray my mind and start hurting when I saw him, but I didn’t have to worry about it. Was it because I felt too badly betrayed? I truly had no feelings when I saw him.